Fault diagnosis apparatus for electrically operated smoking devices

ABSTRACT

A method for supplying products for electrically operated smoking systems is provided, including: delivering to a remote user device from a central server over a network connection order option information associated with a vending machine; receiving an order from the remote user device, the order including an indication of a product available from the vending machine, and user identification information; retrieving registered user information, including user authentication information associated with user identification information; receiving user authentication information from a user; and if the received user authentication information matches the retrieved user authentication information, delivering the product to the user at the vending machine.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of and claims benefit under35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/856,982, filed on Apr.23, 2020, which is a continuation application of and claims benefitunder 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/568,616, filed onOct. 23, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,692,052), which is a U.S. nationalstage application of PCT/EP2016/059098, filed Apr. 22, 2016, and claimsbenefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to European Patent ApplicationNos. 15165925.7, filed on Apr. 30, 2015, and 15165930.7, filed on Apr.30, 2015, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an apparatus and system for providing faultdiagnostic information to users of electrically operated smokingdevices.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Electrically operated smoking devices are now widespread and there areseveral different types of electrically operated device available. Forexample, there are devices that electrically heat, but do not combust,tobacco products to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Thereare also devices that heat a liquid composition, typically containing anaerosol former such as glycerine and flavour compounds, to generate anaerosol for user inhalation.

Electrically operated smoking devices are typically used several timesper day and, like all electronic and software controlled products, willsuffer faults and malfunctions from time to time. Furthermore, somecomponents of electrically operated smoking devices have to withstandlarge changes in temperature, which can lead to degradation ofmaterials. There is also the problem of the deposit of smokeconstituents on components of the device and the build-up of thesedeposits may result in faults or loss of performance of the device.

Typically, if an electrically operated smoking device develops a faultor stops working adequately, it is necessary to return the device to themanufacturer by post or courier and wait for a repaired or replacementproduct. It can be days or weeks before the user has a repaired or newproduct. A majority of users are not content to wait for that long, andwill instead purchase a replacement product, possibly from a differentmanufacturer if they are dissatisfied with the original device.

Sometimes a user may not even be aware that the device has a fault andmay instead think that the device is not a good product.

It would be desirable to provide a system and apparatus that would allowusers to quickly and simply determine the nature of any fault andreceive any replacement parts of software fixes necessary, withoutrequiring the user to use the postal service. It would also be desirableto be able to determine the cause of malfunctions of electricallyoperated smoking devices so that more robust devices can be designed andmanufactured.

It would also be desirable to provide a system for vending products forelectrically operated smoking systems that provides for greatconvenience and ease of use for customers but which also ensures thatonly authorised customers can purchase the products.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect there is provided an apparatus for providingmaintenance services for an electrically operated smoking device,comprising: an input comprising an electrical connector configured toengage electrical contacts on an electrically operated smoking device; acontroller connected to the input wherein the controller is configuredto automatically perform electrical testing of the electrically operatedsmoking device and to provide a test report based on an outcome of theelectrical testing, or to perform a software update or software reset ofthe electrically operated smoking device, or to both provide a testreport and perform a software update or software reset of theelectrically operated smoking device, when an electrically operatedsmoking device is connected with the input.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an apparatus in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the functional components of theapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a system in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of an apparatus inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a vending system in accordancewith the invention;

FIG. 6a is an illustration of a vending machine that may be used in thesystem of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6b is a schematic illustration of the control elements of thevending machine of FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a user device showing order optioninformation;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a user device showing vendingmachine location information;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a first vending process; and

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a second vending process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The apparatus is advantageously positioned in a shop or public place.The apparatus can then be conveniently accessed by users to determinewhether the electrical components of their smoking device are operatingcorrectly and determine if the software on the device is not up-to-dateor is faulty. The software can then be fixed immediately.

The device may comprise a plurality of inputs to allow for differentdevices to interface with the apparatus. Alternatively the input may beconfigured to allow the connection of different types of electricallyoperated smoking device to interface with the apparatus.

The apparatus advantageously comprises a dispensing mechanism fordispensing replacement parts for electrically operated smoking devicesor replacement electrically operated smoking devices. If the electricaltesting determines that the device is faulty, the user may purchase areplacement device or may purchase replacement parts from the apparatusif the test report identifies a specific part or parts that requiresreplacement, for example a battery.

The apparatus may comprise a device receptacle for receiving devices tobe returned to a manufacturer or retailer. The apparatus may beconfigured to detect a returned device and to subsequently dispense areplacement device. If the electrical testing determines that the deviceis faulty, the user may place the faulty device in the receptacle forreceiving devices, the apparatus may detect the faulty device and thendispense a replacement device using the dispensing mechanism. This isuseful when the electrical testing determines that the device is faultybut that at least one of the faults is a hardware fault. The user isprovided immediately with a device that works correctly and the retaileris provided with the faulty device that can be repaired or tested toprovide information about how manufacture and design of the productcould be improved.

The controller may be configured to download usage data from theelectrically operated smoking device when it is connected to theelectrically operated smoking device. The usage data together with thetest report may provide an insight into which user behaviour correlateswith malfunctions in the smoking device. Over time a manufacturer cancollect a large volume of statistical information about device usage anddevice malfunction. This information can be used in research anddevelopment to help provide more robust hardware and software and toprovide improved usage instructions for users.

The apparatus may comprise a network interface configured to connect theapparatus to a communications network. The apparatus may be configuredto send test reports and usage data to a central server over thecommunications network. The apparatus may be configured to receivesoftware updates for electrically operated smoking devices over thecommunications network. The apparatus may be configured to sendinformation about the devices and any replacement parts stored in theapparatus to a central server to allow stock levels in the apparatus tobe determined at the central server.

The test report may be displayed on a display screen on the apparatus.Alternatively, or in addition, the test report may be sent to a userdevice connected to the apparatus directly or through a communicationsnetwork. The user device may for example be a mobile telephone. Theapparatus may connect to the user device through a short rangecommunications protocol, such as Bluetooth, or through a network such asthe Internet.

The apparatus may comprise a user interface. The controller may beconfigured to automatically perform electrical testing of theelectrically operated smoking device only after a user has providedauthentication information to the apparatus. The authenticationinformation may comprise a password, biometric information, encodedinformation on a membership card, payment card or a code or informationassociated with a user device. The apparatus may receive userauthentication information by scanning an image, receiving a short rangecommunication protocol wireless signal, receiving data entered through auser interface on the vending machine, reading a chip card or making abiometric measurement.

The apparatus may be configured to charge a battery in the electricallyoperated smoking device through the electrical connector. Fast chargingof a lithium ion battery for example is possible in this way. This is asimple service to provide to the user that may be useful for travelersin particular.

The apparatus may be a vending machine. In particular, the apparatus maybe a vending machine for products for electrically operated smokingdevices.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system forproviding maintenance services for electrically operated smokingdevices, comprising: a plurality of apparatuses for providingmaintenance services for an electrically operated smoking device inaccordance with the first aspect of the invention, and a central server,wherein each of the apparatuses is connected to the central serverthrough a communications network; and wherein each of the apparatuses isconfigured to send data received from electrically operated smokingdevices to the central server.

This system allows for smoking device fault information, as well asdevice usage information, to be collected and processed centrally, andpassed to a research and development environment, allowing for morerobust devices to be designed and manufactured.

Having the service apparatuses connected over a network has a number offurther advantages. Each user may be required to have registered withthe central server and authentication information specific to each usermay be generated, or provided by the user, during the registrationprocess. Each of the apparatuses may then be configured to request userspecific authentication before use. By allowing only registered users touse the machine, illegal use of electrically operated smoking devicescan be made more difficult. This arrangement also allows for payment foruse of the apparatus to be made on a registered user's account.

The authentication information may comprise a password, biometricinformation, encoded information on a membership card, payment card or acode or information associated with a user device. The system mayreceive user authentication information by scanning an image, receivinga short range communication protocol wireless signal, receiving dataentered through a user interface on the vending machine, reading a chipcard or making a biometric measurement.

Each apparatus may also be a vending machine, from which users canpurchase electrically operated smoking devices and products forelectrically operated smoking devices, such as replacement liquidcartridges or tobacco sticks. A user may purchase products directly froman apparatus without using the electrical testing functions.

The central server may provide a web interface that allows users todiscover the location of accessible apparatuses. A dedicated webpage orapp may be provided for this purpose. The webpage or app may display thelocation of accessible apparatuses on a map.

The central server may provide software updates for electricallyoperated smoking devices to each of the apparatuses. This allows thelatest software to be made available immediately.

It should be clear that the central server is not limited to a singledevice and may comprise several servers distributed across a network andmay comprise other processing and data storage devices.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method ofproviding maintenance services to a user of an electrically operatedsmoking device using a publically accessible automatic testingapparatus, comprising: determining connection of an electricallyoperated smoking device to the testing apparatus; performing automaticelectrical testing of the electrically operated smoking device;automatically extracting usage data from the electrically operatedsmoking device; automatically generating an electrical test report basedon the electrical testing; automatically providing the test reporttogether with a recommended action to the user; and automaticallysending or saving the electrical test report together with the usagedata to a data store.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a vending system for products forelectrically operated smoking systems, comprising: a vending machinecontaining products for electrically operated smoking systems; a centralserver connected to the vending machine over a data network, the centralserver being connected to the Internet; wherein the central server isconfigured to deliver order option information associated with thevending machine to a remote user device connected to the central serverover the Internet, and to receive an order from the remote user device,wherein the order includes a product available from the vending machine,and user identification information; wherein the central server stores,or can retrieve, registered user information, including userauthentication information associated with user identificationinformation; and wherein the vending machine is configured to receiveuser authentication information from a user at the vending machine, andif the received user authentication information matches the userauthentication information stored or retrieved by the central server andassociated with the order, deliver the product to the user at thevending machine.

The vending system allows users having an Internet connected device toorder products for later collection, but at the vending machine the useris required to provide authentication information so that anauthentication check can be made to ensure that the user is authorisedto buy the products. This is especially important for products forelectrically operated smoking systems for which there is typically alegal age limit.

The products may be, for example, replacement liquid cartridges,replacement batteries, entire smoking systems, replacement tobaccosticks for a heated tobacco system, replacement heater elements, orreplacement mouthpieces.

The system advantageously comprises a plurality of vending machines,each connected to the central server over the data network. The orderoption information may identify one or more of the vending machines. Forexample, the user can then be informed about which of the vendingmachines have the desired product in stock and the location of thosevending machines. The order option information may include locations ofthe vending machines on a map.

The user may then select the most convenient machine. The central servermay be configured to receive an order from the remote user comprisingidentification of one of the vending machines.

The central server may be configured to receive a location from theremote user device before delivering the order option information, andthe order option information may then comprise the location of vendingmachines near to the location from the remote user device. The orderoption information may include the location of a number of possiblevending machines, for example five vending machines, listed in order ofincreasing distance from the user.

The central server may be configured to receive a location from theremote user device before delivering the order option information. Ifthe location from the remote user device is within a first distance ofone of the vending machines, the order option information may includeonly products available from that vending machine. For example, if theuser is determined to be within 20 metres of a vending machine, it islikely that the user has already identified the vending machine andwould like to purchase a product from the machine immediately. Byincluding order option information for that machine only, the process ofimmediate purchase is simplified for the user.

The vending machine may be configured to receive authenticationinformation from the remote user device, from a user identificationcard, by data entry through a user interface on the vending machine orby biometric measurement of the user. Any suitable method of providingauthentication information may be used. The user authenticationinformation must match the user authentication information provided bythe user during a registration process, when the user account is firstestablished. During the registration process the identity of the user,and in particular their age, can be confirmed.

During a registration process a user account may be set up includingpayment details for the user.

The system may be configured so that the authentication informationreceived from a user at a vending machine is sent to the central serverand compared at the central server with the authentication informationstored or retrieved by the central server. If the received userauthentication information matches the user authentication informationstored or retrieved by the central server, then the central server maysend an authentication approval signal back to the vending machine.

Alternatively, the system may be configured so that the authenticationinformation stored or retrieved by the central server is sent to thevending machine and compared at the vending machine with theauthentication information received from a user at the vending machine.

The vending machine may be configured to receive products forelectrically operated smoking systems from a user together withauthentication or identification information associated with the user.This may be useful to allow users to return products if they are faulty.It may also allow for the rental of products and the return of thoseproducts to the same or a different vending machine. This may beattractive for travelers.

The data network connecting the vending machine to the central server isadvantageously the Internet. However, the data network connecting thevending machine to the central server may be a private network.

The user device may be a mobile telephone, a tablet computer, a laptopcomputer, a PDA or any other suitable network device.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method for supplying products forelectrically operated smoking systems, comprising: delivering to aremote user device from a central server over a network connection orderoption information associated with a vending machine, receiving an orderfrom the remote user device, wherein the order includes an indication ofa product available from the vending machine, and user identificationinformation; retrieving registered user information, including userauthentication information associated with user identificationinformation; and receiving user authentication information from a user,and if the received user authentication information matches theretrieved user authentication information and associated with the order,instructing the vending machine to deliver the product to the user atthe vending machine.

In this aspect, the authentication of the user is carried out remotefrom the vending machine, advantageously at the central server.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method for supplying products forelectrically operated smoking systems, comprising: delivering to aremote user device from a central server over a network connection orderoption information associated with a vending machine, receiving an orderfrom the remote user device, wherein the order includes an indication ofa product available from the vending machine, and user identificationinformation; retrieving registered user information, includingassociated user authentication information associated with useridentification information from a data store based on the useridentification information; sending the order from the remote device,together with the associated authentication information, to the vendingmachine; and receiving user authentication information from a user atthe vending machine, and if the user authentication information receivedfrom the user matches the user authentication information retrieved fromthe data store, deliver the product to the user at the vending machine.

In this sixth aspect, the authentication of the user is carried out atthe vending machine.

In both the fifth and the sixth aspects, the order option informationmay be associated with a plurality of vending machines and the orderfrom the remote device may include selection of a particular vendingmachine.

In the fifth or the sixth aspect, the step of receiving userauthentication information may comprises scanning an image, receiving ashort range communication protocol wireless signal, receiving dataentered through a user interface on the vending machine, reading a chipcard or making a biometric measurement.

In both the fifth and the sixth aspects, the method may further comprisereceiving a location from the remote user device before delivering theorder option information. The order option information may comprise thelocation of vending machines near to the location from the remote userdevice.

In both the fifth and the sixth aspects, the method may further comprisereceiving a location from the remote user device before delivering theorder option information. If the location from the remote user device iswithin a first distance of one of the vending machines, the order optioninformation may include only products available from that vendingmachine.

In both the fifth and the sixth aspects, the method may further comprisereceiving a product for an electrically operated smoking system from auser at a vending machine together with authentication or identificationinformation associated with the user. The method may further compriseidentifying the product and sending an indication of the product to thecentral server together with the authentication or identificationinformation.

In a seventh aspect, there is provided a vending machine for productsfor electrically operated smoking systems, comprising: a plurality ofproducts for electrically operated smoking systems; a dispensingmechanism for dispensing one or more of the plurality of products; acontroller connected to the dispensing mechanism; a network interfaceconnected to the controller; and a local interface connected to thecontroller; wherein the controller is configured to receiveauthentication information from a user through the local interface, toreceive order information together with associated authenticationinformation through the network interface, and to activate thedispensing mechanism to dispense a product associated with the orderinformation if the authentication information from the user receivedthrough the local interface matches the authentication informationreceived through the network interface.

In an eighth aspect, there is provided a vending machine for productsfor electrically operated smoking systems, comprising: a plurality ofproducts for electrically operated smoking systems; a dispensingmechanism for dispensing one or more of the plurality of products; acontroller connected to the dispensing mechanism; a network interfaceconnected to the controller; and a local interface connected to thecontroller; wherein the controller is configured to receiveauthentication information from a user through the local interface, tosend the authentication information from the local user to a remotesever through the network interface, to receive order informationassociated with the authentication information from the remote serverthrough the network interface, and to activate the dispensing mechanismto dispense a product associated with the order information.

In both the seventh and eighth aspects, the local interface may comprisetwo different interface mechanisms. The controller may be configured toreceive user identification information from the user through adifferent interface mechanism than the user authentication information.

In both the seventh and eighth aspects, the local interface may comprisean image scanner, a short range communication protocol wirelessreceiver, a touch screen or keypad, a biometric scanner or a chip cardreader.

In both the seventh and eighth aspects, the vending machine may furthercomprise a product return inlet. The controller may be configured toidentify a product inserted into the product return inlet and to send tothe remote server an indication of the product inserted into the productreturn inlet together with associated user identification orauthentication information.

In a ninth aspect, there is provided a method for supplying products forelectrically operated smoking systems, comprising: receiving an order ata vending machine from a remote server, wherein the order includes asmoking device or accessory available from the vending machine, and userauthentication information; receiving user authentication informationfrom a user at the vending machine, and if the user authenticationinformation received from the user matches the user authenticationinformation retrieved from the remote server, delivering the product tothe user at the vending machine.

In a tenth aspect, there is provided a method for supplying products forelectrically operated smoking systems, comprising: receiving userauthentication information from a user at a vending machine, sending theuser authentication information to a remote sever, receiving orderinformation associated with the authentication information from theremote server, and delivering a product associated with the orderinformation from the vending machine.

Features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may beapplied equally to other aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an apparatus in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. The apparatus comprises a housing 10, auser interface 20, a device input port 12 and a product output tray 14.The user interface 20 comprises a display screen 16 and input buttons18. An electrically operated smoking device 30 is shown connected to thedevice input port 12.

The apparatus of FIG. 1 is both a vending machine for products forelectrically operated smoking systems and a testing and a servicingmachine for electrically operated smoking systems or devices. A user canconnect their electrically operated smoking device to the apparatus inorder to have the device electrically tested and in order to havesoftware running on the electrically operated smoking device to betested, updated or reset. The apparatus also provides for fast chargingof a battery in the electrically operated smoking device 30.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the functional elements of theapparatus shown in FIG. 1. The apparatus has a controller 22 that isconnected to a battery charging module 26 and an electrical testingmodule 24. The battery charging module 26 is connected to power contactsin the input port 12. The electrical testing module 24 is connected todata contacts in the input port. The controller 22 is connected to theuser interface 20 and to a product dispensing mechanism 28. The productdispensing mechanism 28 provides products to the product output tray 14in response to commands from the controller 22. The controller is alsoconnected to a network interface 11. The apparatus may also have aproduct return input 27, through which users can return faulty or renteddevices.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a system in accordance with anembodiment of the invention, incorporating a plurality of apparatuses ofthe type described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Vending and servicemachines 110, 120 and 130 are connected to a central server 200 throughthe Internet 100. Three vending and service machines are illustrated inFIG. 3, but the system may comprise any number of vending and servicemachines.

Similarly, user devices 300, 310, 320 are connected to the central sever200 through the Internet 100. The central server 200 is connected to aregistration database 210, which stores user registration andauthentication data, a stock database 220 which stores vending machinelocation and stock data, and a service database 230 that stores devicefault data and associated device usage data. The central server 200 isalso connected to a software update centre 240 that provides softwareupdates for electrically operated smoking devices 30 configured tointerface with the vending and service machines.

The user devices 300, 310, 320 may include any network connectabledevice, but will typically be mobile telephones, tablet computers,laptop computers and desktop computers. In this embodiment, each userdevice requires a display screen in order to display machine locationinformation to the user. The user devices may connect to the Internet100 by any means, such as a wireless connection or a cable connection.

The vending and service machines 110, 120, 130 are configured tocommunicate with the central server 200 to exchange stock and orderinformation, to exchange user information related to registered usersthat have placed orders on the system, to allow software updates to beprovided to the vending and service machine from the software updatecentre 240 and to provide device fault information and associated usagedata from devices tested by the vending and service machines to theservice database 230.

Broadly speaking the system is configured to allow users to connecttheir electrically operated smoking device to a vending and servicemachine in order to test their device. The vending and service machinegives the user the option to update or reset the software on the deviceif necessary. Following a user authentication step, the vending andservice machine carries out electrical testing and software testing ofthe connected device and produces a test report. During electricaltesting, the vending and service machine uploads usage data storedwithin the electrically operated smoking device. The test report isdelivered to the user, either by displaying the report on the screen 16of the vending and service machine, or by sending the report to adevice, such as a mobile telephone, associated with the user. The testreport may indicate that one or more parts of the device needreplacement and may indicate that the device software needs updating orresetting. The vending and service machine may give the user the optionto purchase the parts that need replacing or purchase a software update,or may provide these items free of charge. Alternatively, the vendingand service machine may allow a user to place a faulty device in theproduct output tray 14, or in a separate product input tray 27. Thevending and service machine then detects the faulty device and dispensesa replacement device to the user. The product input tray 27 may also beused for receiving devices that have been rented by a user.

The system also allows for users to locate vending and service machinesthrough a web based interface, and to pre-order products from thevending and service machines for later collection. User devices 300,310, 320 can find local vending and service machines by requestinglocation information from the central server 200. The stock database 220stores the location of vending and service machines. The location of thevending and service machines can be displayed on a map on a displayscreen of the user devices. A dedicated app or website may be providedfor this purpose.

A user may send orders from their network connected device 300, 310, 320for products for electrically operated smoking systems to the centralsever 200. The central server then sends the user device details ofvending machines at which the order can be collected. When the usercollects the order at a vending machine, they must provideauthentication information at the machine, and, if the authenticationinformation matches authentication information held in the database 210,the ordered products or software updates are provided to the user. Inthis way, the user is able to obtain the ordered products in aconvenient way. The user may, for example, order replacement consumableitems, such as liquid cartridges for collection from a service andvending machine. When collecting the order, the user may then choose tohave their device electrically tested. This allows for the collection ofusage and malfunction data in a manner that is convenient for both theuser and the manufacturer.

Before a user can use the system illustrated in FIG. 3, they mustregister with the system and set up a user account. Part of the processof registering comprises providing proof of identification, and inparticular proof of age. In the registration process, authenticationinformation is also associated with the user and information identifyingthe user's electrically operated smoking device or devices. Theauthentication information may be provided by the user in the form of apassword, biometric information, or a vocal signature. Alternatively,the authentication information may be provided to the user by thecentral server 200, for example in the form of a membership card 340, asshown in FIG. 3, or a payment or credit card, holding a machine readableauthentication code.

The registration process may comprise providing payment details. Thisallows for quicker purchase of products later on. The registrationprocess may also be carried out for a particular user device, so thatthe user can be identified by a code, serial number or addressassociated with that device.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of operation of an apparatus of the typedescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 in more detail.

In a first step 400 the apparatus detects the connection of anelectrically operated smoking device 30 to the input port 12. Theapparatus may have more than one input port to allow for the connectionof different types of device. Alternatively, the input port may have aconnector configured to engage several different types of electricallyoperated smoking device.

In a second step 405, before any testing of the device is carried out,the user is requested to provide authentication information. Thisrequest may be in the form of a written request on the display screen 16of the apparatus. Authentication information may be provided to themachine by the user entering a membership card 340 or payment card intoa card slot (not shown) on the apparatus. Alternatively, the apparatusmay comprise a fingerprint or retina scanning system and the user mayprovide authentication information by having their fingerprint or retinascanned. Alternatively, the user may enter a password, a signature, asequence of gestures or a voice signature to the apparatus through theuser interface 20.

In step 410 an authentication check is carried out based on theauthentication information provided by the user and information from theuser device connected to the apparatus. As described, during aregistration process a user's account will have associated with it bothinformation identifying the user's smoking device and authenticationinformation. When the device is connected to the input of the apparatus,information identifying the device is uploaded to the apparatus. Thisinformation is sent to the central server 200 with a request for theassociated authentication information stored in the registrationdatabase 210. The central server 200 extracts the requestedauthentication information and sends it to the apparatus. The apparatusthen compares the authentication information entered by the user withthe authentication information received from the central server. If theymatch, the user is authenticated and process moves to steps 415 and 420.

In step 415 the apparatus performs electrical testing of the deviceconnected to the input port. This electrical testing includes softwaretesting. Simultaneously with the electrical testing, the apparatus mayperform fast charging of a battery in the electrically operated smokingdevice. This is illustrated in step 420. During or subsequent toelectrical testing in step 415, usage data stored in the device isuploaded to the apparatus in step 425. The usage data may includedetails of the pattern of use of the device since a last electricaltest.

In step 430, the apparatus generates a test report. The test reportdetails the electrical and software systems tested and indicates adiagnosis of any malfunctions or unusual results. In step 435 the reportis displayed in a user friendly format to the user on the screen 16 ofthe apparatus. Alternatively, or in addition, the report may be sent toa user device 300, 310, 320 for display on the user device. The reportmay include a recommended action such as “perform software update”,“reset device” or “replace device”. Simultaneously, in step 440, thetest report, together with the usage data is uploaded to the centralserver 200 and it is then stored in service database 230.

Once the report has been generated and displayed to the user, the usermay disconnect their electrically operated smoking device 30 from theinput port 12. A message indicating that the device may be disconnectedmay be displayed on the screen 16. The apparatus detects disconnectionof the device in step 445 and stops the battery charging process.

However, the user may choose to take one of the recommended actions atthe vending and service machine. For example, if the recommended actionis to update the device software or to reset the user software, the usermay keep the electrically operated smoking device 30 connected to theapparatus and may use the user interface on the apparatus to perform thesoftware update or reset. For example, in step 450 the user may order asoftware update using the user interface 20. The apparatus may thenperform an automatic software update in step 455 before the userdisconnects the electrically operated smoking device from the inputport.

The recommended action may be to order a replacement part, such as areplacement battery. The apparatus may have replacement batteries instock and so the user may in step 450 order a replacement battery fromthe apparatus. In step 455 the replacement battery is then dispensed into the product output tray 14.

The recommended action may be to replace the entire device because thefaulty component cannot be easily replaced by a customer. In that casethe user may order a replacement device from the apparatus. As part ofobtaining replacement device, the user may be required to deposit thefaulty device in the product return tray 27. In step 460 the apparatusdetects the returned device and in step 465 a replacement device isdispensed from by the dispensing mechanism 28 to the product output tray14. In exchange for returning the faulty device, the user may beprovided with the replacement device for a reduced cost or at no cost.

In order to obtain a replacement part, a replacement device or asoftware update, the user may be required to provide payment. Paymentmay be provided using cash or a payment card at the apparatus or it maybe provided using a user account set up during the registration process.

In step 470, the process ends.

In the process of testing devices and obtaining usage data and sellingreplacement products and parts, the apparatus and the central server 200receive data about registered users' locations and consumption habits.This information is never stored or passed to third parties withoutusers' explicit consent. The usage data and test reports are madeanonymous and cannot be traced to specific registered users and it isenvisaged that they would be used for technical research and developmentpurposes only.

The benefit of the described system to end users is that faulty devicescan be quickly and conveniently tested. Faults can either be correctedor a replacement device issued to the user immediately so that the useris without a properly functioning device for a minimal amount of time.

The benefit of the described system to manufacturers and retailers isthat the system is able to gather a large amount of statistical dataabout device usage and the occurrence of malfunctions. By correlatingthe usage data with particular malfunctions, the manufacturer canidentify areas of weakness within the device and potential areas ofmisuse of the device. This can be used to develop more robust hardwareand software and to develop improved user instructions.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a vending system in accordancewith another aspect of the invention. Vending machines 510, 520, 530 areconnected to a central sever 500 through the Internet 100. Three vendingmachines are illustrated in FIG. 5, but the system may comprise anynumber of vending machines. Similarly, user devices 300, 310, 320 areconnected to the central sever 500 through the Internet 100. The centralserver is connected to a registration database 210, which stores userregistration and authentication data and a stock database 220 whichstores vending machine location and stock data.

The user devices may include any network connectable device, but willtypically be smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers anddesktop computers. In this embodiment, each user device requires ascreen in order to present order option information to the user. Theuser devices may connect to the Internet by any means, such as awireless connection or a cable connection.

The vending machines 510, 520, 530 are configured to communicate withthe central server 500 to exchange stock and order information and toexchange user information related to registered users that have placedorders on the system.

At the broadest level, user devices can send orders for products forelectrically operated smoking systems to the central sever 500. Thecentral server then sends the user device details of vending machines atwhich the order can be collected. When the user collects the order at avending machine, they must provide authentication information at themachine, and, if the authentication information matches authenticationinformation held in the database 210, the ordered products are dispensedfrom the vending machine for the user. In this way, the user is able toobtain the products in a convenient way but it is ensured as far aspossible that only authorised users are able to purchase the products.

FIG. 6a is an illustration of a vending machine 600 that can be used ina system as illustrated in FIG. 5. The control elements of the vendingmachine 600 are illustrated schematically in FIG. 6b . The vendingmachine comprises a controller 622, a user interface 620, a productdispensing mechanism 628 and a network interface 66.

The user interface comprises a screen 616, input buttons 618 allowing auser to make a selection of options presented on the screen 616, and acard slot 615 configured to receive a user membership card, payment cardor identity card. The product dispensing mechanism 628 comprises anoutput tray 614, to which products are dispensed, and may optionallyinclude an input tray 627, for receiving products that users wish toreturn.

The products held in the vending machine in this example includereplacement liquid cartridges, new smoking devices, replacement tobaccosticks for a heated tobacco system, replacement heater elements andreplacement mouthpieces.

Before a user can use the system illustrated in FIG. 5, they mustregister with the system and set up a user account. Part of the processof registering comprises providing proof of identification, and inparticular proof of age. In the registration process, authenticationinformation is also associated with the user. The authenticationinformation may be provided by the user in the form of a password,biometric information, or a vocal signature. Alternatively, theauthentication information may be provided to the user by the centralserver 500, for example in the form of a membership card 340 or paymentcard, such as a credit card, as shown in FIG. 5, holding a machinereadable authentication code.

The registration process may comprise providing payment details. Thisallows for quicker purchase of products later on. The registrationprocess may also be carried out for a particular user device, so thatthe user can be identified by a code, serial number or addressassociated with that device.

A first method of operation of the system of FIG. 5 will now bedescribed in more detail with reference to FIG. 9. In FIG. 9 the stepstaken by the user, by the central server 500 and by the selected vendingmachine are illustrated in sequence.

In a first step 900, the user opens an app or webpage on their deviceassociated with the vending system. When the app is opened, itautomatically sends over the network to the central server 500 a useridentification and the location of the user device. This is illustratedas step 905.

In response, in step 910, the central server sends to the user device anindication of available products and an indication of vending machinesclose to the user device where those products are available. Thisinformation is retrieved from stock database 220. FIG. 7 is anillustration of a map displayed on a user device 300, including iconsindicating the location of vending machines.

In step 915, the user selects the products that they wish to purchaseand the vending machine from which they wish to collect the products. Auser can select from the screen of the user device the product orproducts that they wish to buy. This type of interface is well known inonline shopping apps and websites. FIG. 8 illustrates a user order, likea conventional online shopping basket, displayed on a user device 300.The order includes a selection of a particular vending machine. A usercan select a particular vending machine on the map, as shown in FIG. 7,as the machine from which they wish to collect their order. The order isthen sent to and received by the central server 500.

In step 920, the central server processes the order and sends to theuser device the price of the order and a request for paymentinformation. In step 925 the user provides or confirms the paymentinformation to the central server. In step 930 the central server 500sends an order confirmation or receipt to the user device.

In step 935, the central server sends the order information to theselected vending machine, including the user identification information.The vending machine then reserves the ordered products for a period oftime, such as 24 hours. If the products are not collected from thevending machine within 24 hours, then the order is canceled and theproducts in the vending machine become available for purchase again.

In step 940, the user is at the selected the vending machine and enterstheir user identification information or an order number. In thisexample, this is done by entering the membership card into the slot 615,but it could be done in other ways, for example using a keypad, a touchscreen or by scanning a receipt at the vending machine. The vendingmachine then asks the user for authentication information in step 405.The user provides the authentication information to the machine in step942. This may be done automatically because the authenticationinformation is stored on the membership card together with the useridentification information. Alternatively, the vending machine maycomprise a fingerprint or retina scanning system and the user mayprovide authentication information by having their fingerprint or retinascanned. Alternatively, the user may enter a password, a signature, asequence of gestures or a voice signature to the vending machine.

In step 945 the vending machine sends the user authenticationinformation together with the user identification information to thecentral server 500. In step 950, the central server compares theauthentication information from the vending machine with authenticationinformation associated with the user identification information inregistration database 210. If the authentication information from thevending machine matches the authentication information stored in theregistration database, then the user is authenticated. Otherwise theauthentication of the user is failed. In step 955 the central serversends to the vending machine the result of the authentication process.If the user has been successfully authenticated, then in step 960, theorder products are dispensed from the machine to the user. If the userhas not been successfully authenticated, the user is informed on thescreen 616 and is given an opportunity to provide authenticationinformation again.

After the products have been dispensed to the user, in step 960 thevending machine sends a stock update message to the central server, sothat stock database 220 can be updated to reflect the levels of stock inthe vending machine, in step 965.

A second method of operation of the system illustrated in FIG. 5 is alsopossible. This is illustrated in FIG. 10. In the second method ofoperation most of the steps are identical to those shown and describedin FIG. 9, and are indicated with the same reference numerals. Forbrevity these identical steps are not described again. However in themethod shown in FIG. 10, the step of comparing the authenticationinformation provided at the vending machine with the authenticationinformation stored in the registration database 210 is carried out atthe vending machine. This means that step 935 of the method of FIG. 9 isreplaced by step 970. In step 970 not only is order information and useridentification information sent to the vending machine, but also theassociated user authentication information. Then, rather than requiringsteps 945, 950 and 955 (in which authentication information is sent fromthe vending machine to the central server, an authentication checkcarried out at the central server and the result of the authenticationcheck sent back to the vending machine), the authentication check iscarried out at the vending machine, as indicated by step 975.

In the process of selling products in this way, the central server 500receives data about registered users' locations and consumption habits.This information is never stored or passed to third parties withoutusers' explicit consent. Typically it is held for a short period afterthe completion of each order in case the dispensed products are thesubject of a customer complaint, and is then deleted.

It should be clear that the embodiments described are illustrative andare not intended to limit the scope of the claims. It will be apparentto those skilled in the art that modifications could be made to theabove described embodiments without departing from the general scope ofthe invention.

We claim:
 1. A method for supplying products for electrically operatedsmoking systems, comprising: delivering to a remote user device from acentral server over a network connection order option informationassociated with a vending machine; receiving an order from the remoteuser device, wherein the order includes an indication of a productavailable from the vending machine, and user identification information;retrieving registered user information, including user authenticationinformation associated with user identification information; receivinguser authentication information from a user; and if the received userauthentication information matches the retrieved user authenticationinformation, delivering the product to the user at the vending machine.2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step ofperforming an authentication check to determine if the received userauthentication information matches the retrieved user authenticationinformation, wherein the authentication check is performed remote fromthe vending machine, and if the received user authentication informationmatches the retrieved user authentication information, furthercomprising the step of instructing the vending machine to deliver theproduct to the user at the vending machine.
 3. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising a step of performing an authentication checkto determine if the received user authentication information matches theretrieved user authentication information, wherein the authenticationcheck is performed at the vending machine.
 4. The method according toclaim 3, further comprising sending the order from a remote device,together with the user authentication information associated with useridentification information, to the vending machine.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the order option information is associatedwith a plurality of vending machines and the order from the remote userdevice includes selection of a particular vending machine.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the step of receiving user authenticationinformation comprises one or more of scanning an image, receiving ashort range communication protocol wireless signal, receiving dataentered through a user interface on the vending machine, reading a chipcard, and making a biometric measurement.
 7. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising receiving a location from the remote userdevice before delivering the order option information.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 7, wherein the order option information comprises thelocation of vending machines near to the location from the remote userdevice.
 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein when the locationfrom the remote user device is within a first distance of one of thevending machines, the order option information includes only productsavailable from that vending machine.
 10. The method according to claim1, further comprising receiving a product for an electrically operatedsmoking system from a user at a vending machine together withauthentication or identification information associated with the user.11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising identifying theproduct and sending an indication of the product to the central servertogether with the authentication or identification information.